The stage was marked by a breakaway of four riders who gained a five-minute lead over the peloton. The break was reeled in by the combined efforts of Astana, looking to retain Rast’s overall lead, and Saxo Bank, which was looking to protect the interests of its Luxembourg brothers Andy and Frank Schleck, who are favorites for the overall win.

The sprinters’ teams took over the chase in the final kilometers, catching the break with about 10km to go.

On Friday, the race’s stage 2 is 188km from Schifflange to Differdange.